Process for assembling a carriage for driving a marking apparatus on at least one guide member, and corresponding marking apparatus

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to the assembly of a carriage for driving a marking apparatus on at least one guide member, said carriage being fast with a bearing allowing the carriage to slide on the guide member.  
     There is made in the carriage at least one opening made with transverse dimensions substantially greater than those of the guide member; the carriage is placed in the precise position that it must occupy; an intermediate space is thus defined between the walls of the opening and the opposite outer periphery of the guide member; this intermediate space is filled with a polymerizable resin and, by polymerization of this resin, a sleeve is formed between the walls of the opening and at least a part of the outer periphery of the guide member.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a process for assembling a carriage for driving a marking apparatus on at least one guiding member, as well as to a corresponding marking apparatus.

[0002] Within the meaning of the invention, the generic term “marking apparatus” designates any apparatus for making a mark on the surface of a piece, whether it be by printing, deformation or by removal of matter on or from this surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] As is known, a marking apparatus comprises a frame supporting a mechanism for driving a marking tool, which may in particular be a pneumatic stylus or an engraving head. This drive mechanism conventionally comprises an element fixed with respect to the frame, provided with raised edges on which two guide bars are disposed. A first drive carriage is mounted to slide on the latter and is itself provided with two additional bars, which are perpendicular to the afore-mentioned first pair of bars and are intended to receive a second drive carriage to which the marking tool is fastened.

[0004] Thanks to the use of this so-called “crossed carriage” drive mechanism, the marking tool is able to move in two directions perpendicular to each other, with respect to the frame.

[0005] The process of assembling each carriage on the guide bars which receive it consists firstly in making at least one bore in this carriage, then in arranging in each bore at least one self-lubricating bearing, for example by adhesion or by force-fit. This assembly thus constituted is then mounted to slide on the guide bars.

[0006] However, this known process of assembly presents certain drawbacks. In effect, it is accompanied by an extremely meticulous operation for positioning this carriage with respect to the self-lubricating bearing, which involves a particularly precise machining of the said bores. This process therefore involves lengthy and costly manufacture.

[0007] It is an object of the invention to overcome these drawbacks by proposing a process which, while ensuring a precise assembly of the drive carriage on its guide member, is simple and rapid to carry out and dispenses with any expensive machining operation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] To that end, it relates to a process for assembling a carriage driving a marking apparatus on at least one guide member, said carriage being fast with a bearing allowing the carriage to slide on the guide member, process in which there is made in said carriage at least one opening adapted to receive the bearing and this bearing is interposed between the walls of the opening and the guide member, characterized in that an intermediate ring is arranged around said guide member; said opening is made with transverse dimensions substantially greater than those of said intermediate ring; the carriage is placed in the precise position that it must occupy; an intermediate space is thus defined between the walls of the opening and the opposite outer periphery of the ring; this intermediate space is filled with a polymerizable resin and, by polymerization of this resin, a sleeve is formed between the walls of the opening and at least a part of the outer periphery of said intermediate ring.

[0009] The invention also relates to a process for assembling a carriage driving a marking apparatus on at least one guide member, said carriage being fast with a bearing allowing the carriage to slide on the guide member, process in which there is made in the carriage at least one opening adapted to receive the bearing and this bearing is interposed between the walls of the opening and the guide member, characterized in that the opening is made with transverse dimensions substantially greater than those of the guide member; the carriage is placed in the precise position that it must occupy; an intermediate space is thus defined between the walls of the opening and the opposite outer periphery of the guide member; this intermediate space is filled with a polymerizable resin and, by polymerization of this resin, a sleeve is formed between the walls of the opening and at least a part of the outer periphery of the guide member.

[0010] Finally, the invention relates to a marking apparatus, comprising a frame, a marking tool and at least one carriage driving said marking tool, the or each carriage being mounted to slide with respect to at least one guide member, said guide member being housed in a corresponding opening made in the carriage, a bearing for slide being interposed between said guide member and the opposite walls of the corresponding opening, characterized in that said bearing comprises a sleeve which is formed by a resin polymerizable in the solid state and which extends to the vicinity of the walls of the opening.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The invention will be described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings, given solely by way of non-limiting example and in which:

[0012]FIG. 1 is a view in perspective of a marking apparatus according to the invention.

[0013]FIGS. 2 and 3 are schematic views in section, illustrating two steps of the assembly, on a guide member, of a carriage belonging to the marking apparatus of FIG. 1; and

[0014]FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, illustrating a variant embodiment of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0015] Referring now to the drawings, the marking apparatus shown in FIG. 1 and generally designated by reference 2, comprises, in manner known per se, a fixed frame 4 comprising two opposite raised edges 6. The latter support two bars 8 which constitute guide members for the displacement of a first carriage 10 along the principal axis of these bars.

[0016] This first drive carriage 10 is provided with two opposite raised edges 11 between which extend two additional guide bars 12, the two pairs of bars 8, 12 being disposed substantially at right angles.

[0017] The bars 12 ensure guiding of a second carriage 14, on which is connected a marking tool 15, which may for example be a pneumatic stylus, or an engraving head. These two carriages 10, 14 form a mechanism for driving the marking apparatus 2, and ensure positioning of the marking tool in two directions orthogonal with respect to each other. The two carriages 10, 14 are respectively set in motion, in manner known per se, via electric motors (not shown).

[0018] Assembly of each drive carriage 10, 14 on the guide bars 8, 12 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. In these latter, reference will only be made to the assembly of carriage 10 on bars 8, it being understood that assembly of carriage 14 on bars 12 is similar.

[0019]FIG. 2 partially illustrates the carriage 10, intended to be mounted on the bars 8. This carriage has two substantially cylindrical through openings made therein, of which only one, 16, has been shown. This opening presents a transverse dimension, or diameter, D.

[0020] Furthermore, through orifices 18, intended for receiving each bar 8, are made in the raised edges 6. Each orifice 18 presents a transverse dimension, or diameter D′, which is substantially larger than that of the bar, namely the constant diameter d of the latter.

[0021] With a view to assembling the carriage 10 on each bar 8, one of the ends of the latter should firstly be passed through the orifices 18, then this bar axially moved, so that its second end is placed between the two raised edges 6, as shown in FIG. 2. Two rings, of which only one, 20, is shown, are then arranged around each bar, from the afore-mentioned second end. These rings, which are of conventional type, are for example made of bronze and are self-lubricating. d′ denotes their outside diameter, or outer transverse dimension.

[0022] Once the two rings 20 are disposed around the bar 8, the carriage 10 is arranged, from the second end of this bar, with the result that these rings 20 are received inside the opening 16. The opening 16 is made so that its diameter D is greater than that d′ of the rings 20.

[0023] Each bar 8 is then displaced axially again, with the result that its two ends are received in the orifices 18 of each raised edge 6. These ends are then positioned in accordance with the conformation that the marking device must present, once produced. To that end, the bar 8 is maintained with respect to a reference surface of the frame 4, in appropriate orientations, in accordance with the teaching of EP-A-0 915 260.

[0024] Once the bars 8 are immobilized with respect to the raised edges 6, the carriage 10 is positioned with respect to each bar 8, in the precise arrangement that it must occupy, once connected to these bars 8. Being given that the diameter D of the opening 16 is larger than that, d′, of the rings 20, the outer periphery of these latter defines, with the opposite walls of the opening 16, a substantially annular intermediate space 22 (FIG. 3).

[0025] While maintaining the bars 8 and the carriage 10 in their relative positions mentioned hereinabove, each intermediate space 22 is filled with a polymerizable resin, for example a polyurethane or epoxy resin. Other types of equivalent hardenable materials may also be used.

[0026] Similarly, a certain quantity of this resin is poured into the intermediate spaces defined between the outer periphery of the ends of the bar 8 and the opposite walls of the orifices 18.

[0027] This resin is then polymerized, in manner known per se. Once this polymerization is finished, the solidified resin filling the space 22 forms a sleeve 24 separating the opposite walls of the rings 20 and of the carriage 10. Furthermore, two additional sleeves 26 are made between the opposite walls of the bar 8 and of the raised edges 6.

[0028] In this way, the carriage 10 is perfectly connected to the rings 20, with the result that this carriage 10 is adapted to slide on the bar 8, in an orientation corresponding to the desired arrangement of the marking apparatus. This sleeve 24 thus forms, with the rings 20, a bearing of the carriage 10.

[0029]FIG. 4 illustrates a variant embodiment of the invention. In this Figure, the mechanical elements similar to those of FIGS. 1 to 3 are given the same reference numerals, increased by 100.

[0030] The bar 108 of the marking apparatus 102 presents a constant diameter d and is provided with two end chamfers 109. Furthermore, the carriage 110 has two substantially cylindrical through openings made therein, of which only one, 116, has been shown. These openings present an inner diameter D″ which, while being substantially larger than that, d, of the bar 108, is smaller than the diameter D of the openings 16 of the preceding Figures.

[0031] With a view to assembling the carriage 110 on the bars 108, an anti-adhesive coating, namely a film 120 of an anti-adhesive varnish, is applied on the end of the guide bars 108, then these latter are passed through the orifices 118, as in the example described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The carriage 110 is then arranged around each bar 108 so that the latter are housed in the openings 116. It should be noted that this embodiment does not employ rings, such as those, 20, of FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0032] The bars 108 are then made to slide axially so that their ends penetrate in the orifices 118. The ends of the bars 108 are then positioned precisely with respect to the raised edges 106, and the carriage 110 with respect to each bar 108, similarly to what was described hereinabove.

[0033] A polymerizable resin is then poured into each space 122, defined by the opposite walls of each opening 116 and of each bar 108, so as to form sleeves 124. A certain quantity of this resin is also interposed between the opposite faces of the bar 108 and of the orifices 118 made in the raised edges 106. This resin may be similar to that mentioned in the example of FIGS. 1 to 3. It may also contain additives so as to present a reduced coefficient of friction. The bar 108 assembly may also be coated with the anti-adhesive film 120.

[0034] The assembly of the carriage 110 with respect to the bar 108 in a precise arrangement is thus obtained, the slide of this carriage 110 with respect to these bars 108 being allowed thanks to the resin sleeve 124 which thus constitutes a bearing of the carriage 110.

[0035] Furthermore, although the ends of the bar 108 are coated with an anti-adhesive varnish, this bar is perfectly immobilized axially with respect to the raised edges 106, since these ends come into abutment against pockets 128 of the sleeves 126, these pockets 128 extending to the vicinity of the chamfers 109.

[0036] If it is desired to dismantle the bar 108, for example with a view to repairing it, one of the pockets 128 is broken, as described in EP-A-0 915 260, with the result that the corresponding end of the bar 108 is then free to slide axially with respect to the corresponding sleeve 126, due to the presence of the anti-adhesive varnish 120.

[0037] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown. In effect, it may be provided to arrange a screw on the outer wall of at least one of the raised edges 6, 106, or to surround at least one of the ends of the bars 8, 108 by means of a ring, these two possibilities being in accordance with the teaching of EP-A-0 915 260. It is also possible to fix the ends of each bar 8, 108 with respect to the corresponding raised edges 6, 106, without employing a polymerizable resin.

[0038] The invention makes it possible to attain the objects mentioned hereinbefore.

[0039] In effect, being given that each opening 6, 116 is made with transverse dimensions clearly larger than those of the rings 20 or of the bar 108 coated with the anti-adhesive varnish 120, the corresponding machining does not require any particular precision. This therefore ensures an assembly which is notably quicker and less expensive than in the prior art.

[0040] The phase of relative positioning of the carriage with respect to the bar may be carried out thanks to simple mechanical means and therefore does not involve considerable efforts likely to alter the geometry of the marking apparatus assembly once produced.

[0041] To interpose the resin sleeve directly between the carriage and the guide member is advantageous, since this makes it possible to dispense with the use of an intermediate ring. Consequently, for a given bar diameter, it is possible to produce a carriage whose dimensions are reduced, which involves a corresponding decrease in the mass of this carriage. This constitutes an appreciable advantage, particularly in terms of rapidity of displacement of the carriage, and in terms of energy costs inherent in its displacement. 

What is claimed is:
 1. Process for assembling a carriage driving a marking apparatus on at least one guide member, said carriage being fast with a bearing allowing the carriage to slide on the guide member, process in which there is made in said carriage at least one opening adapted to receive the bearing and this bearing is interposed between the walls of the opening and the guide member, wherein an intermediate ring is arranged around said guide member; said opening is made with transverse dimensions substantially greater than those of said intermediate ring; the carriage is placed in the precise position that it must occupy; an intermediate space is thus defined between the walls of the opening and the opposite outer periphery of the ring; this intermediate space is filled with a polymerizable resin and, by polymerization of this resin, a sleeve is formed between the walls of the opening and at least a part of the outer periphery of said intermediate ring.
 2. Process for assembling a carriage driving a marking apparatus on at least one guide member, said carriage being fast with a bearing allowing the carriage to slide on the guide member, process in which there is made in the carriage at least one opening adapted to receive the bearing and this bearing is interposed between the walls of the opening and the guide member, wherein the opening is made with transverse dimensions substantially greater than those of the guide member; the carriage is placed in the precise position that it must occupy; an intermediate space is thus defined between the walls of the opening and the opposite outer periphery of the guide member; this intermediate space is filled with a polymerizable resin and, by polymerization of this resin, a sleeve is formed between the walls of the opening and at least a part of the outer periphery of the guide member.
 3. Marking apparatus, comprising a frame, a marking tool and at least one carriage driving said marking tool, the or each carriage being mounted to slide with respect to at least one guide member, said guide member being housed in a corresponding opening made in the carriage, a bearing for slide being interposed between said guide member and the opposite walls of the corresponding opening, wherein said bearing comprises a sleeve which is formed by a resin polymerizable in the solid state and which extends to the vicinity of the walls of the opening.
 4. The marking apparatus of claim 3 , wherein said sleeve extends against the walls of the opening.
 5. The marking apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the sleeve extends between the walls of the opening and a slide ring fast with the carriage, said ring being slidably arranged around the guide member.
 6. The marking apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the sleeve extends between the walls of the opening and the guide member.
 7. The marking apparatus of claim 3 , wherein the or each guide member is fixed on a support, each end of said guide member being housed in a corresponding orifice made in the support, said orifice presenting transverse dimensions substantially greater than those of the ends of the guide member, an additional sleeve formed by a resin polymerizable in the solid state, extending between the outer periphery of each end and the opposite walls of each orifice.
 8. The marking apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the guide member may slide axially with respect to each additional sleeve and in that there are provided, in the vicinity of each end of this guide member, removable means for axially immobilizing each end with respect to the support.
 9. The marking apparatus of claim 8 , wherein an anti-adhesive coating is arranged on the outer periphery of the ends of the guide member.
 10. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein it is made in accordance with the process of claim 1 .
 11. The apparatus of claim 3 , wherein it is made in accordance with the process of claim 2 . 